Appalachian State Mountaineers at Old Dominion (ODU) Monarchs Picks and Prediction for Saturday, October 25, 2025
Use Code SSWC Appalachian State and Old Dominion meet in Sun Belt play on Saturday, both with 4-3 overall records and looking to get back to .500 in the conference, with both at 1-2. The Mountaineers are coming off a heartbreaking 45-37 loss to Coastal Carolina after leading by 14 points in the second half, while the Monarchs look to recover from a 63-27 defeat at James Madison. Rivalries, tempo, trenches — NCAAF picks for App State Mountaineers at Old Dominion Monarchs.
Appalachian State Mountaineers Look to Steady the Defense
Appalachian State enters the weekend at 4-3 overall and 1-2 in the Sun Belt after an inconsistent stretch that featured strong offense but problems on defense. New starting quarterback JJ Kohl is solid through the air, throwing for 278 yards and two touchdowns in the loss to Coastal Carolina. The Mountaineers have used a balanced offense that mixes Kohl’s passing with a productive ground game led by Rashod Dubinion. The running back has totaled 705 rushing yards on 129 carries with four touchdowns. Wideout Dalton Stroman leads the receiving corps with 393 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, Appalachian State has struggled. The defense has surrendered 45 points or more in two of the last three games, allowing opponents to move the ball with ease. Linebacker Colton Phares leads the team with 49 tackles, while Thomas Davis has registered three sacks to lead the pass rush. The Mountaineers have the talent to compete but need better results in coverage and open-field tackling to contain Old Dominion’s passing game.
The 45-37 loss to Coastal Carolina is a good example of the Mountaineers’ season so far. After taking a 31-17 lead on a 77-yard punt return from Jaden Barnes, the defense allowed 28 unanswered points in the second half. Kohl’s two touchdown passes and Barnes’ big play were not enough to overcome the collapse, as Appalachian State turned the ball over on downs late and fumbled on its final drive.
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Injury-wise, the Mountaineers remain mostly healthy. Running back Kanye Roberts remains out with a knee injury.
ODU Counting on Home Crowd to Rebound
Old Dominion also stands at 4-3 overall and 1-2 in conference play, coming off a lopsided 63-27 loss to James Madison. Quarterback Colton Joseph has been the key component of the Monarchs’ offense, posting 1,690 passing yards with 16 touchdowns against eight interceptions while also rushing for 487 yards and six scores. His dual-threat ability gives Old Dominion multiple ways to attack. Wide receiver Tre’ Brown III is the team’s best receiver, recording 511 receiving yards and four touchdowns, including a 98-yard score last week that set a school record.
Defensively, the Monarchs must find ways to limit big plays after giving up 624 total yards to James Madison. Linebacker Jeremy Mack Jr. has provided consistent pressure with 3.5 sacks, and safety Jerome Carter leads the team with 56 tackles, anchoring a secondary that will need to find answers quickly. The group has the speed to compete, but must improve on third downs.
The loss at James Madison showed some positive signs, but much concern for the Monarchs. Joseph started hot, throwing three touchdown passes in the first half, including the 98-yard strike to Brown. However, the offense was shut out after halftime as the defense was overrun by JMU’s 35 unanswered points. Despite the defeat, Old Dominion’s offense proved that it can challenge any Sun Belt opponent when Joseph is on his game.
The Monarchs’ injury report is longer than Appalachian State’s, with 10 players listed, all of whom are questionable, except LB Jason Henderson, who is out. The status of those questionable players and Henderson could impact both sides of the line of scrimmage.
App State Mountaineers at Old Dominion Monarchs Pick
Spread Pick for App State vs. ODU
- Â Old Dominion -14.5 (4 Units)
Old Dominion’s balanced offense and home-field advantage give it the edge. Joseph’s dual-threat playmaking should keep Appalachian State’s defense guessing, especially given the Mountaineers’ recent struggles to stop the run and the pass. With an 83.4% win probability from ESPN Analytics and a more explosive offense, the Monarchs have a strong chance to control the tempo and cover the spread in front of their home crowd.
Over/Under Pick for App State vs. ODU
- Â Over 63.5 (5 Units)
Both teams can move the ball effectively, and recent results suggest another high-scoring game. The Mountaineers have allowed 45 and 47 points in two of the last three games, while Old Dominion just surrendered 63. With quarterbacks capable of big plays and defenses that have been inconsistent, this matchup is a recipe for a shootout that should push past the total over.
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